The Evolution of AI-Powered Character Simulation: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the domain of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has experienced a remarkable shift. What started as niche experiments with early language models has developed into a vibrant ecosystem of applications, services, and communities. This piece explores the current landscape of AI RP, from widely-used tools to cutting-edge techniques.
The Growth of AI RP Platforms
Various platforms have come to prominence as popular focal points for AI-powered narrative creation and character interaction. These allow users to experience both classic role-playing and more adult-oriented ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Personas like Noromaid, or original creations like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.
Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for sharing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can engage. The Backyard AI community has been particularly active in designing and spreading these cards.
Advancements in Language Models
The swift progression of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA CPP and the mythical "OmniLingua" (a theoretical future model) highlight the increasing capabilities of AI in generating consistent and environmentally cognizant responses.
AI personalization has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to particular RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more refined and stable interactions.
The Push for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the call for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led to the development of "user-owned language processors" and self-hosted AI options. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have been created to satisfy this need.
Endeavors like NeverSleep and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it achievable for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "self-hosted model" approach resonates with those focused on data privacy or those here who simply relish tinkering with AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as user-friendly options for deploying local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while GPU-demanding, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.
Breaking New Ground and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and determination to break new ground. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and spontaneous characters.
Some users pursue "abiliterated" or "augmented" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing moral discussions within the community.
Specialized tools have appeared to cater to specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we anticipate the future, several trends are becoming apparent:
Growing focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more capable and efficient models (e.g., anticipated 70B models)
Exploration of groundbreaking techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the potential for AI to create entire fictional worlds and intricate narratives.
The AI RP space remains a nexus of invention, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the near future.
Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "neural engineer" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for imagination and adventure.